When a new student arrives at Thomas Clarkson Academy who doesn’t speak English as their first language, a group of Young Interpreters is on hand to help them settle in to school life.

There are 322 students at TCA with English as an Additional Language and they now have 15 Young Interpreters to help them.

The interpreters help to translate resources in class and letters which are sent home to parents, as well as helping at meetings with parents and open evenings.

The scheme has been running since 2011 and now has fifteen Young Interpreters who speak 5 languages – Russian, Latvian, Polish, Portuguese and Lithuanian.

Imogen Newell, Leader of EAL, said: “It is seen as a job role within the school and the Young Interpreters treat it like that. They have to fill in an application form and have an interview and training. If they pass all 3 stages they receive their Young Interpreter badge. They are very proud to be Young Interpreters and to be using their skills and we are very proud of them. They work so hard.”

Harry Smith, 13, who is in Year 8, was born in England but raised in Portugal until moving to the UK last year, and is fluent in both languages.

He said: “Sometimes people come up and ask questions, or I show them the school systems and the different communities. I like to help people and at the end of Year 11 you get a good mark on your CV for doing it so it gives you an extra boost.”